Author

Craig Ford

Craig Ford is the owner of Ford Insurance and the Gadsden Messenger. He represented Etowah County in the Alabama House of Representatives for 18 years.

News

Why Gov. Bentley’s Decision on Medicaid and the Health Insurance Exchange is the Wrong Choice

By House Minority Leader, Representative Craig Ford I have been very disappointed to read that Gov. Bentley has chosen to hand over control of the state’s health insurance exchange to the federal government. Federal law requires the state to set up an insurance exchange. Because the governor has refused to follow the law, the federal … Continued

Craig Ford

November 27, 2012

Opinion

What Are You Thankful For This Thanksgiving?

By Representative Craig Ford This week we celebrate Thanksgiving, and, in my opinion, it could not come soon enough. This year has been filled with political fights, Hurricane Sandy, and a scandal involving the head of the CIA. With all of that, it can be easy to get consumed with the bad and forget all … Continued

Craig Ford

November 20, 2012

Opinion

Why We Need A Pay Increase For Educators, State Employees, and Retirees

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Last week, I announced that I am sponsoring legislation to give educators (including both teachers and support personnel), state employees, and retirees a 10 percent cost-of-living pay increase. I believe this pay increase is not only good for our educators, retirees, and state employees; it will also benefit … Continued

Craig Ford

November 6, 2012

Opinion

House Minority Leader Craig Ford to Propose 10 Percent Pay Increase for Educators, State Employees and Retirees

By House Minority Leader Craig Ford Montgomery, AL – House Minority Leader Craig Ford (D-Gadsden) announced today that he is sponsoring legislation to give a 10 percent pay increase to teachers, education support personnel, state employees, and retirees over the next two years. Ford said he is currently having the legislation drafted and expects to file … Continued

Craig Ford

October 31, 2012

Opinion

Amendment 4 Comes With Strings Attached

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Recently, I wrote an article about the eleven statewide amendments that will be on our ballots next week. Today, I want to talk a little more about Amendment 4, which would remove some of the racist language that is currently in our state constitution. If you only read … Continued

Craig Ford

October 30, 2012

Opinion

Don’t Forget the Statewide Amendments on the Ballot on Nov. 6th

By Minority Leader Craig Ford In two weeks, we will cast our votes in several crucial elections. But there will be more than just political offices on our ballots. This year’s ballot also includes eleven statewide amendments, some of which will have significant impacts on our state. To help voters have a better understanding … Continued

Craig Ford

October 23, 2012

Opinion

What Can We Do to Raise Awareness and Protect Victims of Domestic Violence

By House Minority Leader Craig Ford Recently, I wrote an editorial about October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and what we can do to help raise awareness and support the work to end breast cancer. But did you know that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Domestic violence occurs when one person uses force … Continued

Craig Ford

October 16, 2012

Opinion

We Must Repay the Trust Fund Sooner and With Interest

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford One of the reasons that voters approved the constitutional amendment to allow the state to borrow $437 million from the state’s Trust Fund was because the Governor and legislative leaders promised that they would repay the money. The bill that Republican Senator Bryan Taylor filed would require the … Continued

Craig Ford

October 9, 2012

Opinion

How Can You Help the Fight to End Breast Cancer?

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s an illness that can affect any woman, regardless of age, race, where they live, or their socio-economic background. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2012 … Continued

Craig Ford

October 2, 2012

Opinion

Who is Really Looking Out For Alabama’s Working Families?

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford In 1992, the economy was the top issue on every voter’s mind. Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign captured that sentiment when they coined the phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Twenty years later, it’s still the economy. Last week, it was reported that Alabama’s unemployment rate has risen for the … Continued

Craig Ford

September 25, 2012